The effect of aerobic exercise training given to university e-sports team players on reaction time and cognitive functions

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise training on reaction time, neuropsychological parameters, and mood states in university e-sports team players. The study included 26 healthy professional e-sports players aged between 18 and 25 years who were actively involved in university e-sports teams. The e-sports players were randomized into AG (n=13) and KG (n=13) groups. Reaction time was assessed using the Microgate-Optojump Next device, and neuropsychological parameters were evaluated using the Digit Span Test, Stroop Test, Fitts Law Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and Corsi Block Task test. Aerobic exercise capacity was measured using the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test, and mood states were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory by a blinded evaluator. All assessments were repeated in both groups after 6 weeks. The AG group received aerobic exercise intervention for 6 weeks, three times per week, totaling 18 sessions, with each session lasting 50 minutes and targeting 55-74% of maximum heart rate. The KG group did not receive any intervention. Statistical analyses were performed for both between-group and within-group comparisons (pre- test vs. post-test). The results showed a significant decrease in Stroop test-time difference and Beck anxiety score, as well as a significant increase in the distance covered during the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test, within the aerobic exercise group (p=0.015, p=0.014, p=0.001, respectively). In the between-group analysis, a significant improvement was observed only in the distance covered during the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (p=0.005). No significant changes were found in reaction time parameters and neuropsychological parameters between the groups (p>0.05). While recommending aerobic exercise for e-sports players to enhance their health benefits, further studies are needed to determine the most effective method to improve performance parameters and mood states.